Bought mine at the BMW dealer in Clear Lake (Houston) for $8.90. Dealer kept trying to sell me a pair. Didn't have the heart to tell him where it was going. Now if only my ZX3 ordered car would come in so I could install it!
Friends, I've been told that the ZX3 club is in the queue and that there are several club requests ahead of our ZX3 club. So, keep talking here and when the time comes, Bonnie Rick or I will let you know. Thanks for your patience. I appreciate your community spirit.
BTW, I had to hide post #467 above because the long link skewed the screen size. To read it, just click on "Hidden."
I have seen posts on other boards that the rear wheel bearings have had to be replaced in some of our foci. Since I don't know the difference between a wheel bearing and a wheelbarrow (although I do know the difference between a femur and a tibia), could this account for the rear clunking sound? And how does one know if there is a problem with these wheel bearings? What symptoms?
Well I just returned from the New York International Auto Show where they had a Focus Kona Edition on display. It was a ZX3 and the color was nice, thought it had nasty cheap looking seat covers and the rack on the roof was interesting. i dont think I would buy it though. The Focus display was uninteresting and I expected better, but hey since I own one why do i care?? Anybody in NYC area take a ride down there!
Just ordered the maplight console set from the dealer for $25. Installation I hear is a snap, but I have one question: what is the best way to take the old unit out of the headliner? I certainly don't want to mess anything more expensive up.
I think you'll be very pleased with your new dome lamp once you have it in - each maplight throws a ton of directed light at the driver and passenger, and with all three lights on - whoa !! it's bright in there !! :^)
First, take a minute and read the instructions in the owner's manual about removing the lens. Take a look a your new lens once you receive it, and you'll see a small notch in the lens, directly across from the dome lamp slide switch. Take a small flat blade screwdriver, maybe wrapped in a bit of cloth to avoid marring the gray plastic trim surround, and do a bit of prying in that little notch (right next to the windshield) to loosen the silver-metal spring thing (you'll see what I mean once you get your new lamp in hand!!!) Then, do about 3-4 minutes worth of tugging and pressing on two plastic tabs on the lamp assy, and you'll have the old lens out without having damaged a thing.
Take off the 2 connectors, plug them on to the new unit (thank goodness for standardization of the wiring harness!) and push the new unit in - it snaps in amazingly easy - press the side in where the 3 switches are first, and then press in the notched side nearest the windshield. Like the Brits say - 'installation is the reverse of the removal procedure'.
I already mentioned my paint problems...now the DMV got in the act. My registration that came with the plates is nearly completly wrong. My first name had two too many R's, the weight is listed at 0, just the year was given when sold (no month or day) and the same goes for the production date, the cylinder count is 0, and my axle code/number is listed as 0 (on the door it's UU or maybe they want 2). I thought the DMV had an anti-drug policy.
to torinopaddy-thanks for the info.as i suspected it seems not to be an immediate concern.taking in consideration of the tall shape + light weight of the vehicle + front wheel drive, i expect some drift.however,i do believe it to be controlled+stable.stock tires do seem to provide substantial grip, wet or dry.from reading all the input about the various quirks of the zx3 ,they are relatively minor.in fact,a lot of the annoyances seem to be in common with other owners.
Just catching up on old posts from this current topic....'cscott1' had a question about replacement grilles for the Focus. Ford UK offers a factory replacement grille, appears to be a stainless steel mesh - very similar to the Jaguar mesh grilles in the new supercharged XKR and XJ8. Two possible downsides - not certain if the grille would fit (although our Focus looks the same as the Euro Focus, front bumpers differ, and that could impact the fit)and more importantly, our grille has the parking/turn signal lights - the Euro Ford grille does not have the parking lights - so you'd have to come up with an alternative.
Having said all that, the mesh grille looks super !! Perhaps the Focus R will offer a cool grille, and we can all retrofit it to our Foci!!
Didn't they cancel that Alf show a long time ago cuz it got corny? J/k. Where did you see the place that sells the European front grill? I like that mesh look and I could care less about those signal lights.
The grill is in a Euro Ford accessories catalogue that I have. Lokking at the picture, it appears that the grille would fit our ZX3, but no telling if the attachment points for the grille would be the same. Also, legally you would need to come up with some sort of turnsignal arrangement, although you could probably hide a small lamp behind the grill to meet US regs. I'm going to see if I can get a price on the grill.
Greetings all ZX3'rs: I'v been watching this list for some time and decided to join in now that I took delivery of my decked-out Malibu Blue ZX3. Auto with all options available except side impact air bags. Ordered 25 February, delivered April 20 (one day before a full 8 weeks). So far, I am very impressed with the level of engineering detail for the price.
My dome light was inoperable upon delivery, so I dropped it off Monday night at the dealer and drove a 2000 Taurus loaner home. I was surprised to find that the Focus ZX3 drove better and rode better in my opinion than a new Taurus costing almost twice the price. Got my baby back last night.
Good List: Rides and handles great Sport bucket seats very comfortable It doesn't FEEL like a small car inside / driving Nice front seatbelt design (height adjustment and slides back out of the way to access back seats) Easy to reach controls Good CD sound system Neat looks (some beg to differ)
Bad List: No factory sun/moonroof available No center console (read need CD storage) No Map Lights though I paid for Convenience Group (more later) Hard to drive slow during break-in
All in all, I think it is a great car for the money .. but we all have our beefs!
As things go, I had seen hardly any ZX3s on the road in the St. Louis area until I took delivery. I saw two Malibu Blue ZX3s within a day after. There a a good number of 4-door sedans around here.
alf3, Thanks for the info on the mesh grill. Since turn signals might be a problem, (wiring new turn lights or mounting them in a new way would be a real mess) I guess I'll wait to see if some wonderful US manufacturer steps to the plate. Thanks for the great info though.
Well, she finally arrived. I am now the owner of a black beauty with auto, ac, power, cruise and a tilt wheel (I had to wait for that last one...how cool is that telescoping thing? At any rate, I am thrilled with my new baby. My biggest problem is I really want to just open her up and blow by traffic, but I must be patient during the break in period.
After an agonizing 4 month wait, I finally got my ZX3 yesterday (through carOrder.com).
I got it in Autumn Orange with the charcoal interior, spec'ed with 5 sp, ABS, AC, CD player, side airbags, remote keyless entry, speed control, floormats, and power group. All for $13,400 out the door. carOrder owes $2600 to the dealer.
More on the car when I get some time behind the wheel and get used to the stick (first time driving a stick). The car has been perfect so far..
Orlock, Sounds like your dealer gave DMV wrong information or DMV's computer decided to not input right (you know, the person doing the inputting). Suggest you get back to whoever handled your registration and have them get it amended as this could cause you GREAT PROBLEMS down the road. Note that I emphasied GREAT PROBLEMS. Do it now, even though its not your fault.
Now, also find out why DMV needs your axle code for a passenger vehicle. Didn't know it made any difference. Guess some states are different, but come to think of it, I've seen passenger vehicles with 3 axles. Oh, the states code for axle code would be different than Fords too.
Anybody else out there order the Convenience Group on their ZX3? Did you get the maplights?
I built three different configurations of the Focus at the Ford Buyer Connection site before deciding. The Packages page explicitly says the Convenience Group includes Map Light and Tilt/ Telescoping Steering Wheel but mine was delivered without the maplights. I understand from other posts that I could get them for about $25, but I feel like Ford should make good on what they advertise.
Malibuzx3yahoo, they probably didn't include the correct maplight/domelight with your car because Ford had already sold out the available stock to all of us on this Forum who replaced our standard lights :-0
Two things to say about what you said about these foci:
1. Ford UK website is totally out of date, New Transit van launched March still nothing on the site, its still reads January.
2. These cars have just been made available and are not part of the official Focus range, these are special vehicles built to order with dealer and factory type approval, currantly the lauch vehicle is the T220, T180 available soon and 320 next year. The official AWD Focus based on the WRC Focus will not launch until 2002 or maybe even 2003. It may carry the Cosworth name depending on what Ford believes to be public opinion on that name.
Any of you guys know anything about auto glass? Is it my imagination or does the glass get darker as the sun gets brighter? Was off yesterday and when I got done doing everything I had to do I washed and polished (3rd coat) my ZX3. After I did the sunny side I turned her around so the sun would help dry the other side. Was quite sunny and it appeared while inside that the glass was much more tinted that normal. Any thoughts. We haven't had much sun up here and I hadn't noticed this before.
WHOOO friggin HOOOO! We got our new Malibu Blue ZX3 the other day. Everyone at work was wondering what the new car was in the parking lot. It sure is a head turner. Can't wait to get the ground effects on it, 17" inch wheels, stripes and window tinting. WE BE STYLIN! Enjoy reading ya'all here. Lots of great tips and info thanks :-)
Read that the Focus has no tint at the top of the windshield. I have a ZX3 on order and was wondering if anyone knows where to get a tasteful tinted windshield banner - maybe with something like Ford or Focus or ... on it. I think the blue oval would be overkill. Thanx.
It turned out to be the DMV. Everything at teh dealership is done through the computer and my name is spelled correctly (it better be, I work there) thoughout the dealership's paperwork. It seems that all those zeroed out things I mentioned (including weight) are common (the info is usually reserved for trucks) at the local DMV.
Seeing how Ford is adding more and new options (like pwr windows and cruise in Feb...and now Zinc Yellow in March) I'm having a hard time deciding whether now is a good time to get my ZX3 or wait until maybe a "R" version comes out...also wouldn't mind having a sunroof...I know things like these can be added aftermarket...but as far as performance items go, I can't help but think an intergrated system designed by automotive engineers may be better operationally versus one put together piecemeal.
The manual says drive like you normally do, just vary speed a lot (which I've been doing, even though I've had to go interstate speeds for a 30 mile stretch only once, normally I've just done city and mountain road driving.
What about revs? Some people seem to think that you should keep 'em low, others say rev like you will after breakin (i.e. go high). Usually I've been shifting around 3000-3500, but have taken it over 4000 a couple times.
guyindasky, You sound like me when I'm about to buy a computer. No sooner you buy the machine then they add another gizmo and at a lower price. At a certain point you will have to grin and bear it, make the commitment knowing that next year there WILL be an improvement. It's not fair but that's the way it is. Advice: do your homework, research when new models are coming out and plan from there. Good luck.
Good point fgaydos...one other thought I had is when an insurance company knows you have a barnburner like a Focus R you can be sure you'll pay for having all that extra HP, whereas if you add it yourself they'll still think you have a stock Focus...Sometimes I think I suffer from analysis paralysis.
To ALL Members: Please pardon my "User-name" (zx3). I haven't yet purchased a "Z". But after reading your many Posts about this new car, I'm seriously considering it.
However, I have a problem, with the claim being made by website car companies ("Our prices beat Local Dealers prices").
Here are my experiences. I ask you to compare them with your own, more learned, experiences. Why? Because many of you purchased your nifty new "Z", from Online websites. So, you know what's what. Here we go.......
LOCAL FORD DEALER: (Said "This is best I can do"). Factory order. Cash. No trade. Price includes $440 Freight. (Tax, Title, Dealer Adv Fee, are EXTRA) ZX3. 4-spd Automatic. $12,675.
Next..... WWW.CARORDER.COM (This was final "CarOrder Price") Price includes $465 Freight. (Tax, Title, etc. are EXTRA) ZX3. Automatic. $13,400.
Next..... Another Local Ford Dealer. Said he'd meet 1st Ford Dealers deal -- "plus ABS Brakes, for $13,050".
Next... I tried one or 2 more sites (forgot names) and though I don't have the $$ figures -- if memory serves me right -- they didn't beat those two Ford Dealers, either. If I remember right, one of the car websites wanted a $500 "refundable deposit" before they'd show the car's final price. (I got outta there fast).
BOTTOM LINE: I'm beginning to believe.......... Online Car Sites (like CarOrder.Com) -- who sell you the car, you pay them, you don't pay a local Dealer) --- are charging not less, but more, than some local Ford Dealers.
That is, they are NOT beating the prices of certain, local Ford Dealers (like the above) who are .... "Lean, Hungry, ready to Wheel n'Deal".
I really doubt a 220 HP focus could keep up with a 260 HP Stang. Besides the 40 HP deficit you're probably looking at an even larger torque deficit. Plus the disadvantage of having FWD. Who'd drive a stang? Um, maybe people that want about the best bang for the buck performance car currently on the market right now? You might not like them, but there aren't many cars that will go 0-60 in 5.5 and turn a low 14, high 13 sec 1/4 stock for less than 20 large.
Doesn't really matter since the car has an electronic rev limiter. Also if you turn your trip odometer into a tach you will notice that your analog tach isn't that accurate. I would guess that the digital tach is a lot more accurate than the analog. Check your speedo too. It will be out of wack a bit too.
Thank you for the www.green.com address. I will look at the site tonite after work. It sounds worth looking into (although the nearest greencom dealerr is 1000 miles from me). zx3
zx3, carorder prices differ from state to state. they also fluctuate frequently. I ordered my zx3 in January. I am in CA. I got A/C, ABS, Power locks and windows, Speed control, Conv. group, Floor mats, Side airbags for $14,400 destination charge and all taxes included.
Anyone out there install the molded splash guards on their ZX3? Fronts in hand .. waiting on rear. I tried to fit the fronts and it looked like one might have to cut some of the existing plastic at the rear of the wheel well to get it to fit.
Welcome zx3, Have you tried www.autobytel.com? When I was looking for mine, I submitted my wants through them. Autobytel then had a local dealership contact me. (The dealership offered to sell me the ZX3 for $100 over invoice). I said "okay". Pretty painless for me...
To ALL: Granted... I'm 48, I drive pickups (have a Dakota Quad on order), and I probably don't belong in this discussion group... But I MUST SAY that it's gratifying to see such enthusiasm and zeal in the ZX3 group!!!
For what it's worth, and whether it's her "midlife crisis" or something else, my wife (45) is immoveably stuck on a new ZX3. What does it mean when a woman of that age wants to get out of a Dodge Intrepid ES and step into a ZX3?
Well... I think it means that Ford did something right! Sure, they've made some big-time mistakes (like the Contour, which will be gone forever in a month)... But they seem to have hit the mark with the Focus!
Good luck to all of you! And it probably won't be too long before the wife is here bantering away about her ZX3!
judas, what you don't understand is that I was conceding your point about the Mustang having more power. Big friggin' deal. I'm guessing you've drivin one, and if you have, then you'd know that they handle like boats, have cheep, plasticky knobs (I've had Mustang owners complain about this), and, in general, fit the mold of the American muscle car. Lots of power, just don't try to turn...
The reason I bought the Focus is that it's well thought out. The European design team can be thanked for this.
Other cars with lots of power that I'll never own:
You've obviously never driven a C-5 Vette if you think they handle like boats. Or a Cobra. Or, most likely, even a 99-00 Stang, because they handle fairly competently. Yeah, they're not going to handle like a compact, because they're not one, it takes more skill to throw it around because it's larger and has so much more power. Conceding the point about power? No you weren't, you were saying a 220 HP Focus would be it's equal.
I can't take this arguing. And it's between 1. a car that hasn't even come out yet and 2. a mustang, another Ford product, but not the topic of this forum. I'm gonna cry......=(
I finally got a decent response from Ford Customer service. They told me that they have been working on fixing the axle noise in the rear suspension. I didn't even know there was a problem with the axle, I thought it was the springs. After writing to them 3 long letters. The representative passed it on the the District representative. Now Ford reasearch is trying to come up with a solution so that the dealers can fix the problem. According to their letter to me they have been swamped lately with comments and request. I will let you know what happens. Also, did anyone receive a stainless steel mug in the mail? I did about a week ago.
Comments
BTW, I had to hide post #467 above because the long link skewed the screen size. To read it, just click on "Hidden."
carlady/host
The Focus display was uninteresting and I expected better, but hey since I own one why do i care??
Anybody in NYC area take a ride down there!
Thanks
and with all three lights on - whoa !! it's bright in there !! :^)
First, take a minute and read the instructions in the owner's manual about removing the lens. Take a look a your new lens once you receive it, and you'll see a small notch in the lens, directly across from the dome lamp slide switch. Take a small flat blade screwdriver, maybe wrapped in a bit of cloth to avoid marring the gray plastic trim surround, and do a bit of prying in that little notch (right next to the windshield) to loosen the silver-metal spring thing (you'll see what I mean once you get your new lamp in hand!!!) Then, do about 3-4 minutes worth of tugging and pressing on two plastic tabs on the lamp assy, and you'll have the old lens out without having damaged a thing.
Take off the 2 connectors, plug them on to the new unit (thank goodness for standardization of the wiring harness!) and push the new unit in - it snaps in amazingly easy - press the side in where the 3 switches are first, and then press in the notched side nearest the windshield. Like the Brits say - 'installation is the reverse of the removal procedure'.
I thought the DMV had an anti-drug policy.
it seems not to be an immediate concern.taking in
consideration of the tall shape + light weight of
the vehicle + front wheel drive, i expect some
drift.however,i do believe it to be controlled+stable.stock tires do seem to provide substantial
grip, wet or dry.from reading all the input about
the various quirks of the zx3 ,they are relatively
minor.in fact,a lot of the annoyances seem to be in common with other owners.
Also, 220 HP + Focus does not = 0-60 in the 5's. Should put it solidly in the 6's though, assuming they don't have too severe of a traction problem.
Gabe
Having said all that, the mesh grille looks super !! Perhaps the Focus R will offer a cool grille, and we can all retrofit it to our Foci!!
I'v been watching this list for some time and decided to join in now that I took delivery of my decked-out Malibu Blue ZX3. Auto with all options available except side impact air bags. Ordered 25 February, delivered April 20 (one day before a full 8 weeks). So far, I am very impressed with the level of engineering detail for the price.
My dome light was inoperable upon delivery, so I dropped it off Monday night at the dealer and drove a 2000 Taurus loaner home. I was surprised to find that the Focus ZX3 drove better and rode better in my opinion than a new Taurus costing almost twice the price. Got my baby back last night.
Good List:
Rides and handles great
Sport bucket seats very comfortable
It doesn't FEEL like a small car inside / driving
Nice front seatbelt design (height adjustment and slides back out of the way to access back seats)
Easy to reach controls
Good CD sound system
Neat looks (some beg to differ)
Bad List:
No factory sun/moonroof available
No center console (read need CD storage)
No Map Lights though I paid for Convenience Group
(more later)
Hard to drive slow during break-in
All in all, I think it is a great car for the money .. but we all have our beefs!
As things go, I had seen hardly any ZX3s on the road in the St. Louis area until I took delivery. I saw two Malibu Blue ZX3s within a day after. There a a good number of 4-door sedans around here.
Ciao,
malibuzx3yahoo
Thanks for the info on the mesh grill. Since turn signals might be a problem, (wiring new turn lights or mounting them in a new way would be a real mess) I guess I'll wait to see if some wonderful US manufacturer steps to the plate. Thanks for the great info though.
I got it in Autumn Orange with the charcoal interior, spec'ed with 5 sp, ABS, AC, CD player, side airbags, remote keyless entry, speed control, floormats, and power group. All for $13,400 out the door. carOrder owes $2600 to the dealer.
More on the car when I get some time behind the wheel and get used to the stick (first time driving a stick). The car has been perfect so far..
I forgot, this should not cost you anything to amend the registration.
Pat
Sounds like your dealer gave DMV wrong information or DMV's computer decided to not input right (you know, the person doing the inputting). Suggest you get back to whoever handled your registration and have them get it amended as this could cause you GREAT PROBLEMS down the road. Note that I emphasied GREAT PROBLEMS. Do it now, even though its not your fault.
Now, also find out why DMV needs your axle code for a passenger vehicle. Didn't know it made any difference. Guess some states are different, but come to think of it, I've seen passenger vehicles with 3 axles. Oh, the states code for axle code would be different than Fords too.
Pat
I built three different configurations of the Focus at the Ford Buyer Connection site before
deciding. The Packages page explicitly says the
Convenience Group includes Map Light and Tilt/
Telescoping Steering Wheel but mine was delivered
without the maplights. I understand from other
posts that I could get them for about $25, but I
feel like Ford should make good on what they advertise.
1. Ford UK website is totally out of date, New Transit van launched March still nothing on the site, its still reads January.
2. These cars have just been made available and are not part of the official Focus range, these are special vehicles built to order with dealer and factory type approval, currantly the lauch vehicle is the T220, T180 available soon and 320 next year. The official AWD Focus based on the WRC Focus will not launch until 2002 or maybe even 2003. It may carry the Cosworth name depending on what Ford believes to be public opinion on that name.
Pat
the windshield. I have a ZX3 on order and was
wondering if anyone knows where to get a
tasteful tinted windshield banner - maybe
with something like Ford or Focus or ...
on it. I think the blue oval would be
overkill. Thanx.
What about revs? Some people seem to think that you should keep 'em low, others say rev like you will after breakin (i.e. go high). Usually I've been shifting around 3000-3500, but have taken it over 4000 a couple times.
Opinions?
You sound like me when I'm about to buy a computer.
No sooner you buy the machine then they add another gizmo and at a lower price.
At a certain point you will have to grin and bear it, make the commitment knowing that next year there WILL be an improvement. It's not fair but that's the way it is.
Advice: do your homework, research when new models are coming out and plan from there.
Good luck.
Please pardon my "User-name" (zx3). I haven't yet purchased a "Z".
But after reading your many Posts about this new car, I'm seriously considering it.
However, I have a problem, with the claim being made by website car companies ("Our prices beat Local Dealers prices").
Here are my experiences. I ask you to compare them with your own, more learned, experiences.
Why?
Because many of you purchased your nifty new "Z", from Online websites. So, you know what's what.
Here we go.......
LOCAL FORD DEALER:
(Said "This is best I can do").
Factory order. Cash. No trade.
Price includes $440 Freight.
(Tax, Title, Dealer Adv Fee, are EXTRA)
ZX3.
4-spd Automatic.
$12,675.
Next.....
WWW.CARORDER.COM
(This was final "CarOrder Price")
Price includes $465 Freight.
(Tax, Title, etc. are EXTRA)
ZX3.
Automatic.
$13,400.
Next.....
Another Local Ford Dealer.
Said he'd meet 1st Ford Dealers deal -- "plus ABS Brakes, for $13,050".
Next...
I tried one or 2 more sites (forgot names) and though I don't have the $$ figures -- if memory serves me right -- they didn't beat those two Ford Dealers, either.
If I remember right, one of the car websites wanted a $500 "refundable deposit" before they'd show the car's final price. (I got outta there fast).
BOTTOM LINE:
I'm beginning to believe..........
Online Car Sites (like CarOrder.Com) -- who sell you the car, you pay them, you don't pay a local Dealer) --- are charging not less, but more, than some local Ford Dealers.
That is, they are NOT beating the prices of certain, local Ford Dealers (like the above) who are .... "Lean, Hungry, ready to Wheel n'Deal".
Would any one care to comment?
Thanks.
zx3
I will look at the site tonite after work.
It sounds worth looking into (although the nearest greencom dealerr is 1000 miles from me).
zx3
zx3
carorder prices differ from state to state.
they also fluctuate frequently.
I ordered my zx3 in January. I am in CA.
I got A/C, ABS, Power locks and windows,
Speed control, Conv. group, Floor mats, Side airbags for $14,400
destination charge and all taxes included.
I tried to fit the fronts and it looked like one might have to cut some of the existing plastic at the rear of the wheel well to get it to fit.
Anybody help?
Thanks
Have you tried www.autobytel.com? When I was looking for mine, I submitted my wants through them. Autobytel then had a local dealership contact me. (The dealership offered to sell me the ZX3 for $100 over invoice). I said "okay". Pretty painless for me...
Gabe
Granted... I'm 48, I drive pickups (have a Dakota Quad on order), and I probably don't belong in this discussion group... But I MUST SAY that it's gratifying to see such enthusiasm and zeal in the ZX3 group!!!
For what it's worth, and whether it's her "midlife crisis" or something else, my wife (45) is immoveably stuck on a new ZX3. What does it mean when a woman of that age wants to get out of a Dodge Intrepid ES and step into a ZX3?
Well... I think it means that Ford did something right! Sure, they've made some big-time mistakes (like the Contour, which will be gone forever in a month)... But they seem to have hit the mark with the Focus!
Good luck to all of you! And it probably won't be too long before the wife is here bantering away about her ZX3!
The reason I bought the Focus is that it's well thought out. The European design team can be thanked for this.
Other cars with lots of power that I'll never own:
Corvette (yech)
Camaro (super yech)
Trans-Am (he biggest yech ever built)
It's not all about power, ya know...